Jamessuckling.com | JS 94
Published: Mar 6, 2023

Attractive and complex nose of salted almonds, apricots, figs, raspberries and white chocolate. Tangy green apples, too. Fine bubbles here, with vibrant acidity and sleek, integrated layers. Dry and rich yet all in balance. Equal parts chardonnay, pinot noir and meunier, with about 30% reserve wines. Aged six years on lees. Drink now.

The Wine Advocate | RP 91
Published: Apr 20, 2023
Drink: 2023-2028

Disgorged in the second quarter of 2022 with a dosage of 4.9 grams per liter, Billecart-Salmon's NV Brut Sous Bois emerges from the glass with aromas of orchard fruit, pear, peach, nuts and spring flowers. It's medium to full-bodied, clean and pure, with tangy acids and pastry notes on the finish. Elegant, linear and fruit-driven, this Champagne can be enjoyed right now or cellared for another year or two. Base vintage: 2015 (60% of the blend and vinified in old barrels) with 40% of vins de ruserve, the earliest vintage of which is 2006. It comprises 30% Pinot Noir sourced from A and Mareuil-sur-A, 40% Chardonnay from Cotes de Blancs grands crus and 30% Pinot Meunier from the Vallee de la Marne. 


Winemaker

Captivating and Original
This unique cuvee, which is entirely vinified in oak, is composed of the three Champenois grape varieties. It totally masters the art of blending by renewing the ancestral spirit and savoir-faire of the original champagnes.

Tasting notes
The Brut Sous Bois offers a complex aromatic definition and a character linked to vinification in oak casks.
APPEARANCE: A radiant yellow crystalline appearance with golden glints brought to life by a luminous stream of persistent, fine bubbles.
AROMA: There is a rich olfactory impact which is harmoniously expressed (dried fruits, fresh citrus and white flesh fruits) and coupled with finely buttered seductive notes.
PALATE: A burst of flavours (notes of grilled brioche and toffee) thanks to the distinguished power and maturity which is a mark of any great wine of Champagne.
TASTING: Its strength of character and integrity make it an ideal accompaniment to poultry dishes or Girolle mushrooms.

Serve at: 10C
Grape Varieties & Blend
Composed of the three Champenois grape varieties in equal proportions
Premier and Grand Cru Chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs
Premier and Grand Cru Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims, A and Mareuil-sur-A
Pinot Meunier from the right bank of the Vall?e de la Marne
Dosage : 7g/l
Vinification and ageing take place in oak casks at low temperature
Partial malolactic fermentation
From 30% to 35% reserve wines
Ageing on lees: 6 to 7 years
Ageing potential: 6 to 8 years